Ten Apps To Help Control Your Genuine Leather Sofa
How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a buttery-soft leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any space. Customers adore its simple styling and high-quality, genuine leather upholstery.
But recognizing real leather from faux leather can be a challenge to the untrained eye. Here are six helpful tips to help you recognize the difference between real and faux: 1. The rough edges.
1. Take a look at the label
Real leather has a unique look and feel that's hard to duplicate. It's also durable, easy to clean and doesn't absorb excessive body oils. This makes it perfect for those suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equally. In fact, some sellers have even been known to pass off PVC as genuine leather.
To ensure that you don't get scammed, it's crucial to know the various types of leather. This includes determining top-grain and full grain leather, and also evaluating the quality material of the upholstery. Do not hesitate to ask your favorite retailers for this information.
The first step to identifying a genuine leather sofa is to check the label. It should clearly indicate what kind of leather it is upholstered with, along with any other materials like fabric or cotton. Additionally, reliable sellers will have clear policies regarding returning or exchanging items in the event you're dissatisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't come with an identifier however, you can still figure out its authenticity by examining the fabric backing or opening up a cushion casing to check for synthetic materials. You can also examine the texture of the leather to see if there are any bumps or imperfections. These are signs that the leather is fake or is bonded.
Another way to test the integrity of a sofa is by the surface of the sofa with your fingertips. Genuine leather has a soft and smooth texture, while bonded or faux leather will be more coarse and feel more like suede. You should also be in a position to discern the difference between wrinkles, bumps, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a faux counterpart but it will last longer. It can become a family heirloom over time. You can reduce the damage that's caused by sun or ozone, heat, humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark area far from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioning. Leather protection creams can also be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and supple.
2. Look at the back
If the label doesn't identify the type of leather is in a sofa, it is essential to examine it close. The smell, the feel, and the backing are all unmistakable indicators.
If you touch the surface of genuine leather, it won't feel smooth and silky. This is because animal hides have different pores that allow them to breathe. However, a leather product that feels smooth suggests that it may be fake leather.
Another thing to be aware of is unevenness or bumps on the surface. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away a portion of the rough outer layer. But if small leather sofa used to cover your sofa is made of top-quality leather, it should still have some bumps.
You can also test leather by pressing your finger into it and then running it across it. If it's real the leather will stretch and wrinkle slightly as human skin does. This means it's able to breathe, ensuring that the leather does not become dry and crack with time.
Faux leather is uniform in pattern because it is printed, while genuine leather will have imperfections that contribute to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases and scratches. Genuine leather is soft and a little stiff when it's new. But, it should not dry out or crack when you regularly condition it using a cream for protection against leather.
To save money, some furniture manufacturers use a combination of synthetic and real leather for their products. The 'contact areas' such as the arm rests, chairs and backs, are constructed from genuine leather, while non-contact areas, like the base and outside arms are upholstered in the less expensive polyurethane or synthetic leather. This is a standard practice however, even if a couch is branded with authentic leather labels be sure to examine it carefully to see the material that the back is made of, since this is an instant giveaway that it isn't true genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can help you identify a genuine leather sofa, but it is important to look it over. Check the back of the sofa for any signs of polyurethane, which is an indication that it's not genuine leather.
3. Take a look at the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seat is an excellent indicator of the quality. While most faux leather couches make use of various materials for upholstery Genuine leather has a distinctive texture that is soft to the touch, but isn't completely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps under the surface and a strong, natural smell. These features distinguish genuine leather from fake or low-quality fakes.
Another sign of a bad sofa is when the leather is stitched together in a continuous, large piece. This is common with faux leather. However, if it's on genuine top-grain leather and you are looking for a sofa, avoid the sofa.
The label and price may provide an idea however the only reliable method to determine is to actually touch the furniture. Genuine leather shouldn't be flawless and have a rough feel. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath the surface. Genuine leather feels supple and different from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can be a sign of whether it is made from authentic materials.
A leather sofa is a mainstay in interior design for a reason: It's elegant, durable and long-lasting. It is also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it an ideal option for families with pets or children. The best part about genuine leather, however it's that it's a classic design that will never go out of style and is available in a variety of prices.
If you're looking for a classic leather sofa that will endure the test of time, think about the Pottery Barn Turner. Although this two-seater is on the pricier side, it's crafted with quality top-grain leather and has a timeless design that won't age quickly. It's an excellent choice for those with smaller rooms, too, because it's available in three sizes and is small enough to fit into the majority of rooms.
If you're looking for something a bit more modern, you should consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This couch is a mid-century modern design with a sleek, angular frame and asymmetrical cushions that combine form and function. The sofa is constructed of plywood composite, plastic, and. The leather is only used for the seating area. It is a step up from Ikea’s faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE’s "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Check out the smell
Genuine leather has a distinct scent. It's an organic, natural scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa you're looking to purchase has a strong synthetic scent, this is an indication that it's not authentic. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used to make the leather. They remain in the furniture after it's been constructed and even after you take it home.
You can determine the quality of the leather by gently running your fingers over the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and include bumps and lumps, just like human skin. If it feels smooth and cold it's likely fake or bonded.
You can also open one of the cushions to inspect the back. Faux and bonded hides will have a polyurethane back to provide support for the manufactured upholstery. True leather has an untreated back like coarse suede. If the couch has a woven backing that is not genuine leather.
Peter says that the best method to determine if a sofa is real is to gently run your fingernails over the surface. The roughness of the leather will cause your fingers to become dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a bit. It will also feel warm to the contact.
Reversing the sofa to its back and inspecting the upholstery will also determine if it's genuine. False and bonded leathers will have a plastic covering on the back of the sofa while genuine leather is a single piece of leather that covers the entire back of the sofa.
Consider how much you will use your leather sofa and how long it should last before you decide on the right. The more you use your sofa and the more you use it, the more it'll need to be taken care of. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with a special conditioner for leather to maintain the suppleness of the leather and prevent it from becoming dry and hard.